Text & Images T4AV Photos Pere Vilalta
Last Thursday, September 11th, we once again had the privilege of attending and observing, just a few meters from the unpaved runway of Ablitas Aerodrome (Navarra), one of the sessions of the ETAP (European Tactical Airlift Programme), a joint training program within NATO in which several European air force squadrons participate. This small airfield becomes the epicenter of European military tactical transport for a few hours. Coordinated by the European Tactical Airlift Centre (ETAC) and the Spanish Air Force.
These tactical exercises aim to improve interoperability between different squadrons through realistic tactical missions. This year’s exercises feature aircraft such as the A400M, Hercules, C-295, Spartan, and others, and involve day and night missions, evacuations, and tactical launches.
Some of the participating aircraft landed, never better said… on the unprepared runway, carrying out the operation with their engines running to minimize exposure time to simulated enemy forces.
ETAC SINGLE CENTRALIZED CONTROL
Since its creation in 2017, the ETAC, the European Tactical Airlift Center, has graduated more than 100 crews and 120 tactical instructors, accumulating more than 4,000 flight hours, consolidating its position as a European benchmark in advanced training for tactical airlift crews.
A PRESS DAY IN TERMS OF ATTENDING PHOTOGRAPHERS.
Reminiscent of a Tiger Meet, the invitation from the Air Force attracted a large number of photographers specializing in aeronautics. Colonel Bellido, head of the detachment, welcomed us, emphasizing the importance of having such a large presence of Spotters. You are our ambassadors; with your publication of photographs on social media and in magazines, you contribute to the dissemination of our work and commitment to the defense of our country and our other allies.
PARTICIPATING AIRCRAFT
Spanish Air Force A400M
Spanish Air Force C295
Czech Air Force C295
Polish Air Force C295
Romanian Air Force C27J Spartan
Danish Air Force C130J SuperHércules
Luftwaffe A400M
